Deadbeet Records artist: David Olney - When The Deal Goes Down - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (July 8, 2014), When The Deal Goes Down, from David Olney. Opening with title track, When The Deal Goes Down, Olney stirs a country style rocker with a moving beat and cool backing vocals, Olney throwing down some authentic Nashville style guitar riffs. Acoustic ballad Little Bird (What I Do) is very nicely written and backed by sweet female vocals. Clean stylistic guitar accompaniment nicely compliments this arrangement. Jazzy Servant Job ponders a conversation between Job and God. Light hi hat work and trumpet highlights give this track a different feel. Ballad Soldier Of Misfortune has a Jimmy Buffett feel with piano, Spanish style guitar and island backing vocals. Something In Blue is one of my favorites on this release with a taste of old country western music. Cool! Scarecrow Man continues with a country western taste in the ballad area. Interesting lead guitar work on this track sets it apart. Why So Blue has a stylized Hawaiian style that was popularized in the US as country pop in the 20's. The steel guitar work on this track is real nice! Mister Stay At Home is a vocal duet with a twist of Dan Hicks or Red Clay Ramblers and some nice little guitar quips. Fun! Roll This Stone has a cool bass line giving this country flavored track a funky rumble. Wide open lead guitar work on this track also makes it one of the more entertaining tracks on the release. No Trace is another track with a loose Jimmy Buffett island kind of feel with a Tex Mex taste provided by accordion. Sad Saturday Night, a different kind of arrangement between acoustic guitar and tuba, leaves Olney as a sole balladeer. Big Blue Hole has a raw, punky, stripped down sound. Wrapping the release with this track sews up an eclectic bag of music.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Underworld Records artist: Too Slim and the Taildraggers - Anthology - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Anthology, from Too Slim and the Taildraggers and it's really a great selection of tracks including 3 new songs. Opening with Wishing Well, a pure contemporary blues rocker, Langford not only shows his capability as a songwriter but also as a really tasty guitar player. Last Train has a twinge of country and cool feel with nice splashes of guitar... a feel of Dire Straits. Tim Langford handles vocals and guitar; Tom Hambridge, drums and backing vocal; Bob Britt, guitar; Tommy MacDonald, bass and Jon Coleman, keys. Stoned Again, a cool rocker along the lines of "Are You Ready For The Country" is awash with fat slide work. Cool track. Wash My Hands, a fast boogie rocker, has really cool double plucked guitar lead. Possibly my favorite track on the release. All out piano boogie driven by Langford on rippin guitar is a solid rocker and tough to beat. Excellent! Walk On Water is a country funk track with some cool changes and again tasty guitar riffs. When You Love Somebody is probably the most radio ready track from this band with almost an AC/DC feel but a cooler country rock edge. Very nice! Wish I Was Fishin is a low slung blues number with a twist. I really appreciate the subtle guitar work by Langford on this track as well as most of the rest of the release. It's something that I hadn't caught in the past. Wrapping the first CD is She See's Ghosts, a blues rocker with a some cool sidetracks. The lyrics are playful and the guitar work stinging. Very nice! Curtis Salgado adds supple lead vocals on Everybody's Got Something, a simple ballad with a cool rhythm and backing vocals. Blue Heart has a "Help Me" style with a definite updated feel. I really like it. Un noted harp work on this track is not unnoticed. The artistically rendered LaLlorona is an excellent acoustic resonator track with a Spanish flair. Likely my favorite track on this CD. Excellent! Good To See You Smile Again features Jimmy Hall, one of my contemporary male vocalists. Langford cuts loose with full out electric blues guitar riffs on this track making it easily a favorite among blues lovers. Peace With The Maker has a country swagger but retains a blues rock feel. A mix of Tom Petty and the Outlaws eaten by an alligator. I really like Throw Me A Rope which has a contemporary country rock favor (alt country). Not pop country but serious country/rock. It's a ballad through and through with twin guitar leads but a lot of flavor. Slow blues The Light features Lauren Evans on vocals. The female vocals against Billy Gibbons like guitar riffs makes this another serious contender for top track on the release. Excellent! Sliding into a smooth jazz beat, Too Cool finds Langford and the boys playing chords and brushes. A very Ronnie Earl flavored track and a very "cool" track. Bucerius is a slick guitar instrumental ballad with lead guitar melody. The release is wrapped by Princeville Serenade, another instrumental track contrasting rhythm mandolin against acoustic slide lead. An excellent completion of an exceptional anthology.  

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Secret Records artist: Paul Lamb and the King Snakes - Hole In The Wall - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Hole In The Wall from Paul Lamb and the King Snakes and it's tight. Opening with Hole In The Wall, a boogie rumble, Chad Strentz leads the way on vocal and rhythm guitar with Paul Lamb chirping in on harp, Rob Demick on bass, Ryan Lamb on lead guitar and Dino Coccia on drums. Next up is Sometime Tomorrow, a radio worthy R&B style track with a cool hook. Preaching The Blues has a real solid deep rooted sound, like John Lee Hooker. The vocal effects add nicely to a really cool harp solo on this track. Jumpin' Little Judy is the hottest track on the release with as you might imagine a hot jump beat. Paul Lamb leads the way with smokin harp riffs and Strentz pushes him along vocal. Ryan Lamb steps up with a bright guitar solo of his own. Excellent! Wrapping the release is ballad, A Better Place To Be, a solid melody and plenty of opportunity for instrumental interjection. Lamb takes a real sweet guitar solo on this track and the entire band creates a gospel like vocal backing to close out the releae. Very nice.  

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

HAMILTON LOOMIS -- July 2014 Schedule

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. 

Welcome back Hamilton from UK/Europe! He & the Band will be flying all over the country this summer, so stay tuned for shows in YOUR area... Be sure to check the full performance schedule at http://www.hamiltonloomis.com/schedule.html to see when Hamilton & Band are in your town! DISCOUNT TICKETS are available for select shows below...Thanks again for your support! 7/4/14 Topeka, KS Spirit of Kansas Festival 8pm 7/11/14 Beaumont, TX Madison's 9pm 409-924-9777 7/12/14 Ganado, TX Rear Window Listening Room 8pm Click for Tickets 7/17/14 Kemah, TX Rock The Dock @ Kemah Boardwalk 7pm 7/18/14 Ephrata, WA Basin Summer Sounds Festival 8pm 7/19/14 Walla Walla, WA Sapolil Cellars 9pm 509-520-1273 Click for Tickets 7/20/14 Boise, ID Boise Blues Society Annual Sunday Festival 4:30 - 6pm 7/25/14 La Crosse, WI The Helm 9pm 608-782-6324 7/26/14 Saint Paul, MN Lowertown Blues Festival @ Mears Park 6:30 - 8pm Please forward this email to any of your friends/family in these cities!!

www.hamiltonloomis.com

Walter Trout Band Featuring Guitarist Danny Bryant Announces Summer Tour

WALTER TROUT BAND FEATURING GUITARIST DANNY BRYANT ANNOUNCES SUMMER U.S./CANADIAN TOUR BEGINNING JULY 31 IN HERMOSA BEACH; SPECIAL GUEST:  WALTER'S SON,  JON TROUT

   (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) - Excitement is building for "A Tribute To Walter," the upcoming Walter Trout Band Tour fronted by guitarist Danny Bryant with special guest, Jon Trout (Walter's son) on guitar. The two-month, U.S.-Canadian tour kicks off July 31 in Hermosa Beach, Calif. (see complete itinerary below) and is an appreciative return for Trout's band while they await the return of their enigmatic leader as he recovers from a recent liver transplant.

  Danny Bryant, acclaimed U.K. guitarist-vocalist and Walter Trout protégé, will be fronting the WTB in place of Trout. Jon Trout, Walter's 21-year-old son, will be accompanying the band on guitar for the entire tour. Danny and Jon first jammed together earlier this year at London’s famed 02 Shepherds Bush Empire, and the onstage chemistry between the two was instant for all to see - making it a must decision for Jon to be added to this very special celebration of his father's and one of the world's greatest blues artists. In the same way Walter Trout has mentored Danny Bryant, Danny is now doing the same for the younger Trout. Regular WTB members Rick Knapp (bass), Sammy Avila (keyboards), and Michael Leasure (drums) round out what promises to be a stellar band that certainly has Walter's stamp of approval!

                                                  Walter Trout and Danny Bryant

   Bryant's special relationship with Walter is well-documented. When then-fifteen-year-old Danny Bryant sent a fan letter to Trout almost twenty years ago after discovering Walter’s music in his parents record collection, he surprisingly received a phone call one evening out of the blue from his idol. Thus began a special mentor-ship and unique bond that would change the course of Danny’s life forever. Trout has mentored Danny ever since, offering wisdom and advice freely. From the early days of afternoon guitar lessons during Walter’s relentless UK tours, to numerous support slots, recording sessions and sensational jams at major international festivals, the Walter Trout-Danny Bryant relationship is truly special. Bryant was recently described as “a national blues treasure” by Classic Rock ‘The Blues’ Magazine.  A free download of Bryant's music is available at: http://www.dannybryant.com/free-download/.

Danny Bryant:  "A national blues treasure" (Classic Rock "The Blues" Magazine).

   Danny Bryant will be fronting Walter’s powerhouse rhythm section. Sammy Avila (keyboards) has been with Walter since 2001. Born and raised in San Gabriel, California, into a musical family, Avila cut his teeth on the L.A. club circuit playing with a vast array of musical acts. Michael Leasure (drums), born in Alhambra, California, played with guitar phenom Philip Sayce for six years and the legendary Edgar Winter before joining the Walter Trout band in 2008. Rick Knapp (bass) has played with such legends as Carey Bell, Sam Lay, & Bo Diddley before joining the Walter Trout Band in 2005. Together they form one of the greatest blues/rock outfits anywhere in the world.

    For Jon Trout, it seems very natural to be following in his father's musical footsteps on guitar. In much the same way that his father once mentored Danny Bryant, Jon Trout is now receiving the same guidance and tutelage from Bryant.

    Walter Trout has just released The Blues Came Callin' (limited edition, CD/DVD). Walter's biography, Rescued From Reality, is due out July 8.  It will feature pages of previously unreleased photos from Trout's childhood as well as Trout's years with Canned Heat and John Mayall, as well as many from his storied solo career. The next Collectible Vinyl Series release of Walter's recordings, Positively Beale Street, drops July 7.

A Tribute To Walter Trout

Featuring the Walter Trout Band with Danny Bryant & Jon Trout

July 31 (Thur.)         SAINTE ROCKE                      Hermosa Beach, CA

Aug. 1 (Fri.)            THE COACH HOUSE              San Juan Capistrano, CA  

Aug. 2 (Sat.)            RHYTHM ROOM                    Phoenix, AZ

Aug. 5 (Tues.)         FAT FISH PUB                        Galesburg, IL

Aug. 6 (Wed.)         BLUES ON THE MALL              Grand Rapids, MI

Aug. 8 (Fri.)            VIOLETTE'S                            Barrie, ON, Canada

Aug. 9 (Sat.)            CALLAHAN'S                         Auburn Hills, MI

Aug. 13 (Wed.)        CANAL HOUSE PUB               Tuscarawas, OH
Aug. 14 (Thur.)       BEACHLAND BALLROOM       Cleveland, OH
Aug. 15 (Fri.)           MOONDOG'S                        Blawnox, PA
Aug. 16 (Sat.)          BUILDING 24                        Wyomissing, PA
Aug. 17 (Sun.)         JB MCGINNIS PUB                  New Castle, DE

Aug. 18 (Mon.)        THE STUDIO@WEBSTER HALL*  New York, NY

Aug. 19 (Tues.)       MEXICALI BLUES                    Teaneck, NJ

Aug. 20 (Wed.)        THRESHOLD EVENT CTR.       Lancaster, PA
Aug. 21 (Thur.)       CHAN'S                                 Woonsocket, RI
Aug. 22 (Fri.)           BOULTON CENTER                Bay Shore, NY
Aug. 26 (Tues.)        EMMETT'S                            Appleton, WI
Aug. 27 (Wed.)         EMMETT'S                            Appleton, WI
Aug. 28 (Thur.)        SHANK HALL                        Milwaukee, WI
Aug. 29 (Fri.)           HOUSE OF BLUES                  Chicago, IL
Aug. 30 (Sat.)           FAMOUS DAVE'S                  Minneapolis, MN
Aug. 31 (Sun.)          PLAYING WITH FIRE             Omaha, NE   

           * With Special Guests, Popa Chubby and Dana Fuchs  

                                 www.dannybryant.com           

                                                   www.waltertrout.com

Blind Pig Records artist:Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers - Emergency Situation - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Emergency Situation, from Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers and I think it may be their best yet! Opening with James Wee Willie Wayne's Neighbor, Neighbor, Piazza instantly has the joint rockin'! A great harp tune, Piazza steps up and blows the blues. Joined by Miss Honey on piano, Henry Carvajal on guitar, David Kida on drums, Norm Gonzoles on bass, Ron Dziubla on sax, and Jim Jedeikin on sax this track is genuinely exciting! Excellent! Title track, Emergency Situation, is a laid back swing track with cool solos on sax, guitar and harp. Amos Milburn's Milk And Water is an easy going R&B style track with smooth vocals setting the pat for things to come. Frankenbop is an off the hook harp and piano jam. Piazza and Miss Honey really cut loose on this track making it one of the most memorable jams on track this year! James Wee Willie Wayne's Bad Weather Blues is a down and dirty blues with a lot of horn polish. Carvajal really steps up on this track with jarring guitar riffs. A really throaty sax solo on this track is also hot! Big Walter Price's Gambling Woman is a cool shuffle track with Miss Honey coming more forward with nice piano work. Piazza and Dziubla trade riffs taking this one home. Sam Myers' Sleeping In The Ground is a definite trademark track with a strong lope and Piazza grinds out a a serious thick harp solo throughout. Very nice! James Lane's Tricky Woman has a cool Chicago swing sound and Piazza's harp tone is the best on the release. Miss Honey really gets the 88's rumbling on this one with a featured solo and Piazza brings it home with a sweet solo of his own. The Clock, a classic R&B track shows restraint with light instrumental highlights. Lee Dorsey's Ya Ya is led by Carvajal on vocal. With a 60's rock styling, this track has some interesting guitar and horn work. Colored Salt is a perfect track to wrap the release coming out of the gates with Piazza flaming on his harp. A cool boogie with a lot of harp, smoking sax solos and Honey cooking the keys all pushed by the bass and drums... what a way to end! Excellent! If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Put Together artist: The Reverend Shawn Amos - The Reverend Shawn Amos Tells It - New release Review

I just received the newest release, The Reverend Shawn Amos Tells It from The Reverend Shawn Amos and it's great! Opening with Hoodoo Man's Blues, The Rev is right on the vocal and harp. This arrangement is so tight it could be right from a Jr. Wells release. Chris Roberts plays lush guitar riffs behind the lead, Don Medina is right on the spot on drums and Ed Terrio holds down the bottom on bass. Very nice! (The Girl Is) Heavy has a bit of funk and cool B3 by Anthony Martinelli. I'm The Face has a strong 60's British feel with a twist of Slim Harpo. With strong tom tom beat and lead harp work this is a cool flash back. Elmore James' Something Inside Of Me is done in a very traditional style with cool vocals by The rev. This track really has iridescent guitar riffs giving it a cool shimmery feel and setting it apart from the balance of the release. Sonny Boy Williams' Good Morning Little School Girl is driven by Terrio and The Rev nails the vocals. Strong but simple harp lines carry this track and it's a strike down blues alley. Wrapping the release is Sometimes I Wonder, a R&B style track with a taste of Experience in the percussion. This is a strong soulful conclusion for a really cool outing.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Stony Plain Records artist: Joe Louis Walker - The Best Of The Stony Plain Years - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, The Best of the Stony Plain Years by Joe Louis Walker and it's killer. Opening with Eyes Like A Cat, a romping jump track, Walker shows why he is in such demand on guitar. A strong R&B style voice, Walker is joined by Bruce Katz on piano, Jesse Williams on bass, Mark Teixeira on drums, Doug James on sax and Carl Queforth on trombone. One of my favorite tracks on the release, Highview written by Duke Robillard, is a deep down boogie track with unearthly, hair raising guitar tones and a trace of the likes of Ghost Riders. Robillard also throws his hat in with some striking guitar riffs complimented by Joe Ross on bass, and Scott Aruda on trumpet. Excellent track! Shuffle track Hustlin' with a nod to Don Nix has a real nice lope. Again excellent guitar riffs sit you back in your seat with your head bopping and your foot stompin! Katz lays down some really nice piano work on this track as well. Great! Black Widow Spider has a R&B feel and Walker leads the way as much vocally as on guitar. I'm Tide is a flat out rocker with break out blues/rock guitar riffs. Traditional blues track, Sugar Mama demonstrates Walker's capability as a cool harp player as well as singer and stinging guitarist with some really screaming harp riffs. Katz takes a real nice piano break on this track as well and Robillard adds some really smooth phrasing rounding out the sound. A low slung shuffle, this track is really hot. Mike Finnigan's Slow Down GTO is a nice party track featuring grinding vocals from Walker and a nice organ solo from Finnigan. Linwood Taylor adds texture on guitar, Kevin Burton on keys, Henry Oden on bass, Jeff Minnieweather on drums, Keith Crossan on sax, Tom Poole on trumpet and especially nice slide work from Walker. Ain't That Cold features Johnny Winter on slide with his signature sound. An easy shuffle with a solid bottom, gives Winter plenty of room to show why he's been on top for such a long time. You're Gonna Make Me Cry, a soulful ballad features Curtis Salgado and Mike Finnegan on vocal duet. Finnegan also adds distinctive organ work on this track which really compliments the basic format of the song. Excellent! On Send You Back, an acoustic blues, Walker shows a different feel with his voice and guitar, much more in primitive form and really nicely complimented by Sugar Ray Norcia on harp. The only acoustic track on the release it more than holds it's own weight with this set of powerhouse tracks. Wrapping the release is Witness, a soul style track with a pop flare. The most radio friendly track on the release is mostly shows another facet of Walker's diverse palate. This is really an excellent compilation and one that I have thoroughly enjoyed.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Blues Blast Music Awards

Home         Store         Contact

2014 Blues Blast Music - Nominations The 2014 Blues Blast Music awards are coming up and some of our very own Delta Groove artists have been nominated. We would love for those who support the label to take a brief look at the nominees and cast your vote!

John Primer & Bob Corritore John Primer & Bob Corritore's album "Knockin' Around These Blues" has been nominated for "Traditional Blues Album" of the year. This is a great accomplishment and they deserve the support from fans and followers of Delta Groove Music during this voting period. Vote Now

Terry Hanck Terry Hanck's album "Gotta Bring It On Home To You" has been nominated for "Soul Blues Album" on this years Blues Blast Music awards. We love Terry and passionately believe that he can win with the support of our fans worldwide. Vote Now

The Mannish Boys Everyone loves The Mannish Boys! We are happy to announce their nomination for "Blues Band" of the year. Album after album they never fail to amaze blues fans around the world. Keep them in mind when casting your vote! Vote Now

Bob Corritore Of course! Bob Corritore has been nominated for "Male Blues Artist" in this years Blues Blast Music awards. Following up with the release of his latest album "Taboo" this would be a great accomplishment indeed. Vote for Bob today! Vote Now

Sugaray Rayford How can we forget Sugaray Rayford! He is also nominated for "Male Blues Artist" of the year. His music and talent is admired by many. Vote for the hardest working man in show biz today. Vote Now

Selwyn Birchwood's "Don't Call No Ambulance" Receives Rave Rolling Stone Review

 SELWYN BIRCHWOOD'S DON'T CALL NO AMBULANCE
RECEIVES RAVE ROLLING STONE REVIEW!

Don't Call No Ambulance, the Alligator Records debut from young guitarist/vocalist Selwyn Birchwood, received a rave review from writer Dave DiMartino at RollingStone.com:

Selwyn Birchwood: Don’t Call No Ambulance (Alligator)
"Recently issued by the distinguished blues label Alligator and garnering repeated plays in this household is the remarkable debut album by young guitarist/singer Birchwood--a powerhouse player and emotive performer whose work respects blues tradition but could not be more contemporary. From Orlando, Florida, Birchwood made an early ally of Texas bluesman Sonny Rhodes and at 29 has already made his name onstage opening for artists like Buddy Guy and Robert Cray. His band, his material, and both his skilled guitaring and soulful vocals are the essence of fully-formed; Birchwood is a major player, the sort of artist that assures his blues-devoted label many more years of prominence to come, and most importantly, a damn fine listen through and through. Highly recommended."

Since the June 10 release of Don't Call No Ambulance, Birchwood, the winner of the 2013 International Blues Challenge, has been wowing club and festival audiences and garnering piles of critical praise. He was recently featured, along with Alligator's other young signing Jarekus Singleton, in a major Washington Post feature story. The two were heralded as leading forces in a new wave of blues for a new generation of listeners.

Delmark Records artist: Dave Specter - Message in Blue - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Message in Blue, from Dave Specter and it's hot! Opening with instrumental, New West Side Stroll, Specter comes out with the strings blazing. A cooking jazz influenced swing blues also featuring Brother John Kattke on organ and backed by Harlan Terson on bass and Marty Binder on drums this is smoking! On R&B track, Got To Find A Way, Otis Clay takes the center spot light backed by Theresa Davis and Diane Madison on vocal and Kenny Anderson (trumpet), Bill McFarlland (trombone), Hank Ford (tenor sax)and Willie Henderson (bari sax). This Time I'm Gone For Good has a nice slow tempo and a great lead bass line. Clay again takes the mic but this time with a deeper bluesy approach. Specter lays out some really tasty riffs on this track making it one of the best on the release. Title track, Message In Blue, is a nice blend of blues and soul. Specter maintains the spotlight with clean melodic guitar solos. Very nice! On swinging Chicago Style, Kattke takes the vocal lead accompanying himself on keys. The horns are back and punctuating all the way with Binder keeping the drums tight. Specter plays a really nicely phrased guitar solo and Kattke also rolls out a nice piano solo as well. On classic R&B track I Found A Love, Clay is back with his best vocals on the release. Specter chases Clay's vocals on guitar in almost Hound Dog Taylor style. Very cool! Funkified Outta Space has a real authentic Billy Preston kind of organ style and Specter "sings" the lead on guitar. Playing lower neck solos against upper fretboard riffs is particularly effective. Kattke lays down a really gritty organ solo taunting Specter on. Nice groove. Same Old Blues has gospel piano phrasing and really sets a nice table for Kattke to sing really super lead vocal. Specter takes full advantage of this inviting rhythm squeezing out some of the tastiest riffs on cd this year. The Stinger has a latin feel with the addition of Victor Garcia on percussion. Another jazzy showcase for Specter on guitar and Kattke on keys these guys just keep pushing up the heat. Jefferson Stomp has a much more primitive feel with light percussion and piano work. Specter dances lightly on the strings and Bob Corritore joins on harp. As the track gets cranking, Specter don's his slide and cooks up some rich lead riffs. Corritore steps up as well and shows his chops. Very nice! Watchdog has Kattke back on lead vocal with a strong Chicago feel. Specter kicks it up a notch on this track with some really well placed riffs. Kattke is back on organ and commands the spotlight. Very cool! The Spectifyin' Samba gets further out on that jazz limb but maintaining a blue feel. John "Boom" Brumbach offers up a really nice tenor solo on this track opening the floor for Specter to show his jazzier chops. Garcia again joins on percussion helping to deliver that Latin feel. Kattke is always super on keys and the Rhodes is really rich. Wrapping the release is Opus De Swamp, has a really swampy feel with heavy drums (Travis T. Bernard) and bass (Jim Tuillo) coaxed along by Corritore on harp. Specter tops the track with lightly sprinkled country blues riffs. This is a really cool release with a lot happening. Check it out!  

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Slam! Bam! - New Album From The MacKenzie Blues Band

July 8, 2014 Watch video for "Up! Up! Up!" here       Mixing equal parts soul, blues, and talent, with a dash of retro style, Ontario’s The MacKenzie Blues Band has quickly proven to be a force to be reckoned with on festival stages, clubs and bar rooms. Their debut CD release, Back Road Revelation, garnered considerable airplay and positive reviews across Canada, USA and Europe. The MacKenzie Blues Band has twice made the semi-final rounds at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN and in early 2014 they won the Maple Blues Award for New Artist of the Year. The MacKenzie Blues Band has gained the attention of blues music professionals, critics and fans alike, and the release of their new CD Slam! Bam! will continue to elevate their profile as one of the new bands on the international blues scene. The MacKenzie Blues Band’s sophomore release Slam! Bam! features straight up rockers such as “Burned When You Play With Fire” and “Ain’t Tryin’ to Hide”, the spiritual “Higher Road”,  and the dark, melodic “Bone Cage”. Tributes to love, lust and the confusion that binds the two are featured in “Down With Love”, “Storm Comin'” and “Move On”. The album closes with a strait up gospel track “Spiritual Power” a tribute to a close friend’s struggle with cancer. Slam! Bam! shows a slightly darker side of the band and lyrically explores topics including , substance abuse, suicide, and  healing from eating disorders. “Every lyric on this album can be attached to someone close to my life and our shared experiences. I had to crawl down the well of my own bravery to uncover authentic feelings to share with the folks listening to our music”, says Tara MacKenzie. “We couldn't bear the thought of just churning out a record that didn't dig deep. Our band really heard what I was wanting to say and then threw a match to the powder keg and set the melodies on fire.” A classically trained vocalist, Tara MacKenzie has been compared to Ann Wilson, Katie Webster and Janiva Magness. Her powerful 3.5 octave vocal range is paired perfectly with her unapologetic, yet sultry stage presence. Guitarist Trevor MacKenzie has been called "One of the most dangerous guitar players in Canada” (Timmins Press). His versatile playing easily shifts gears from style to style, while maintaining his fretting hand firmly rooted in the blues genre. The rhythm section is the glue that binds The MacKenzie Blues Band together, with pulsing grooves from bassist Joel Dawson and drummer Mike Weir. The MacKenzie Blues Band’s live performances encourage the audience to let loose, have fun and enjoy wild electric rockin' blues, or gritty rootsy unplugged acoustic shows. “Awesome vocals, incredible guitar playing, solid rhythm section and inspired songwriting -The MacKenzie Blues Band successfully touches all the bases…. a band that grabs you out of your seat and wraps itself around you!” (Rick Clark, Lighthouse Blues Festival). In-demand at venues and festivals across the province and beyond, The MacKenzie Blues Band takes the audience to a place where honesty, positivity and joy are on the menu, and to share in a common love for blues music.     www.mackenziebluesband.com  /tmackbluesband     @tmackbluesband  Track List 1. Prelude 2. Down With Love  3. Sweet Stuff  4.  Move On  5.  Bone Cage  6.  Burned When You Play With Fire  7.  On The Other Side  8.  Ain’t Tryin To Hide  9.  I Feel A Storm Coming  10. Up! Up! Up!  11. Higher Road  12. Spiritual Power